drunk or sober, they never think of stabbing, but are always content
with beating each other. But in England murders are generally committed
in cold blood, and for the sake of plunder. In Italy they are more
frequently perpetrated in the moment of exasperation, and for the
gratification of the passions. An Italian will pilfer or steal, cheat or
defraud you, in any way he can. He would rob you if he had courage; but
he seldom murders for the sake of gain. In proof of this, almost all the
murders in Italy are committed amongst the lower orders. One man murders
another who is as much a beggar as himself. Whereas, our countrymen walk
about the unlighted streets of Rome or Naples, at all hours, in perfect
safety. I never heard of one having been attacked, although the riches
of _Milor' Inglese_ are proverbial. Amongst the immense number of
English who have lately travelled through Italy, though all have been
cheated, a few only have been robbed; and of these, not one has either
been murdered or hurt. I am far, however, from thinking that murders are
more frequent in England than in Italy. In England they are held in far
more abhorrence; they are punished, not only with the terrors of the
law, but the execrations of the people. Every murder resounds through
the land--it is canvassed in every club, and told by every village
fireside; and inquests, trials, and newspapers proclaim the lengthened
tale to the world. But in Italy, it is unpublished, unnamed, and
unheeded. The murderer sometimes escapes wholly unpunished. Sometimes he
compounds for it by paying money, if he has any--and sometimes he is
condemned to the gallies, but he is rarely executed."

* * * * *


WINDSOR CASTLE.